FreeSangha - Buddhist Forum

Having about a half dozen choices of Buddhist Centers I chose the one in my area that teaches Kagyu. I am still trying to understand it and the differences between it and other types of Buddhism. I was wondering if somebody could summarize for me. The Tibetan Center I attend is centrally located, is friendly and welcoming, and has a resident monk as its spiritual director which I find all as positive.

Thanks,

Jakey

Title: Re: Kagyu
Post by: bow on July 29, 2014, 09:45:20 am

You won't be disappointed, although you can encounter people who wants to abuse others whether it's kagyu or other school. Be curious on what's happening around you, and set boundaries on how far your 'new sangha' can interfere with your personal life.If you'll see that people or teacher acts in violent way, you'd better escape from these people asap.Read some materials about how cults are working, don't rush with anything.

Title: Re: Kagyu
Post by: Jakey on July 29, 2014, 07:51:57 pm

Teachers acting in a violent way? I don't think so. The Sangha has a Council of lay members. Really the place has impressed me thus far.

Title: Re: Kagyu
Post by: Dharmakara on July 29, 2014, 10:04:49 pm

Hi Jakey.

As far as I'm aware, the only controversy is related to who is or who is not the 17th Karmapa --- there's actually two claimaints: Ogyen Trinley Dorje and Trinley Thaye Dorje:

I'm not sure why Bow gave the advice that he did, other than the fact that you're new to Buddhism, so it's not something particular to the Kagyu or even Buddhism in general, but specifically when it comes to organized religion, namely that there is the good, the bad, and the ugly.